The 1970s brought forth an era of overly sweet cocktails with cheeky names, but the Godfather cocktail stood apart as a refined after-dinner beverage. Comprising just two ingredients—scotch and amaretto—this potent yet sweet drink is perfect for your next nightcap.
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
Why Is It Called a Godfather?
The origins of the Godfather cocktail’s creator remain unclear, but bartenders and historians suspect it was named after the famous film and book, as it appeared on menus in the early 1970s.
There was once speculation that the Godfather was Marlon Brando’s favorite drink, yet this rumor was quietly dismissed.
Ingredient Tips
There’s no strict rule for which scotch works best in a Godfather, but a blended scotch is recommended for cocktails, reserving single malt for sipping.
Avoid using a bottom-shelf bottle; The Famous Grouse and Monkey Shoulder are both good options—blended, reasonably priced, and delightful on their own.
For amaretto, a well-known brand like Disaronno pairs well with smoky scotch due to its sweet, nutty flavor derived from stone fruit pits.
Consider trying smaller batch, artisanal brands like Gozio or Luxardo amaretto from local stores.
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
The Perfect Balance
Achieving the right balance is crucial when making this cocktail. Scotch flavor varies widely, so adjust the amount of amaretto to ensure it complements the scotch without overwhelming it.
Aim for a nicely sweetened drink; too much amaretto makes it overly sugary, whereas too little allows the scotch to dominate, negating the amaretto.
The proportions suggested in this recipe provide just the right sweetness, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
Variations on the Godfather Cocktail
The Godfather cocktail has inspired a range of variations by swapping the base spirit. Here are some examples:
- Godmother Cocktail: Substitute scotch with vodka to emphasize the amaretto.
- Godchild (first version): Use brandy instead of scotch for a smoother, lighter drink.
- Godchild (second version): Like the Godmother, but with cream added for a dessert-like cocktail.
- Brooklyn Godfather: Replace scotch with bourbon and include sweet and dry vermouths for extra flavor.
- French Connection: Swap in cognac for a fruitier, spicier drink that highlights amaretto’s vanilla notes.
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
More Nightcap Cocktails
For serving, keep it simple: a rocks glass with a few ice cubes is all you need for a Godfather cocktail, no garnish necessary.
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2 ounces blended scotch
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1/2 ounce amaretto
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Combine the ingredients and stir:
Fill a mixing glass 2/3 full with ice, add scotch and amaretto. Stir for about 20 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
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Strain and serve:
Pour into a rocks glass over 1 large or 2-3 small ice cubes. Serve immediately.
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Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 193 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 6g | Carbs |
| 0g | Protein |
×
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 193 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| 0mg | 0% |
| 1mg | 0% |
| 6g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 6g | |
| 0g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 0mg | 0% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 6mg | 0% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) indicates how much a nutrient contributes to a daily diet based on a 2,000-calorie consumption plan. | |
Nutrition information is estimated using an ingredient database. Multiple ingredient alternatives are prioritized as listed, and optional ingredients are not included.
